Fire Academy graduates 15

SANFORD - The Fire Academy of Central Carolina Community College graduated 15 students during an Aug. 16 ceremony at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center.

"These students have graduated from one of the best - in my opinion, the best -- fire academy in the state," said Joey Shue, CCCC Fire/Rescue Training coordinator.

The students spent 1,004 hours over six months in instruction and practice of skills, earning certifications in Firefighter I and II, Hazardous Materials Responder-Level I, Technical Rescuer General and VMR, and Emergency Medical Technician.

"They are well-prepared to work for fire services," said Shue, who was a firefighter for 21 years with the Sanford Fire Department before retiring in 1997 as a captain.

Rosser was the class valedictorian, Gaster received the Leadership Award, and Key, the Most Improved Award. Fire Chief Greg Grayson, of the Greensboro Fire Department, was the graduation speaker.

Firefighter training is offered through the college's Economic and Community Development Division at CCCC's Emergency Services Training Center, in Sanford, with Capt. Wilbert "Tramp" Dunn as Firefighter Academy coordinator.

Through the ECD's Human Resources Development Department, the students also learned how to write resumes and do interviews with potential employers. They were able to take part in what Shue described as "getting to know you" interviews with representatives from six fire departments.

CCCC has offered firefighter training classes since 1964. In 2001, through the combined effort of the state, Lee County and CCCC, the college opened a regional Emergency Services Training Center at the 116-acre site of the former Sanford/Lee County Airport, off Tramway Road.

The ESTC provides training for all sectors of law enforcement, fire service, emergency medical services, and rescue services through its classes, Class-A burn building, 40-foot rescue training tower, and other facilities. The Fire Academy, which offers a full-time program, opened in 2010.